Early Voting Begins In Sampson Runoff Race

Early voting is underway in Sampson County for a runoff election that will determine the GOP nominee in the clerk of courts race.

The casting of early ballots got underway Friday in the race between Republican candidates Chris Fann and Chris Driver.

The two were the lone remaining candidates in a crowded primary field.

The winner will take on Democratic candidate Tammy Grady in the November General Election.

Ballots can be cast by registered GOP voters and unaffiliated voters who chose a Republican ballot in the primary. The people who cannot vote are Democrats, Libertarians and those unaffiliated voters who chose a Democratic ballot.

Voting is taking place in the office of the Sampson County Board of Elections from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Absentee by mail ballots are also an alternative for voters, they should contact the board of elections for more information regarding absentee ballots.

Both candidates expressed a desire to see voters get out and support their candidate, especially since both considered the 17 percent total voter turnout for the May primary to be low.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of getting voters out for this runoff,” Mr. Driver told The Daily Recordpreviously. “It’s an important election for our local Republican Party and there remains a question of whether this is the first runoff in the history of Sampson County. Unfortunately, we may never get the answer for this one.”

His opponent was in full agreement and urged his supporters to get out and vote, whether it be with early voting or on the date of the runoff — June 26.

“We just need for everybody to get out and support their candidate,” Mr. Fann said previously. “I think the turnout will be low, making every vote count, so don’t think your vote doesn’t count because it does.” Story courtesy The Daily Record